Page 33 of Pretending with the Mountain Man
"Of course." I shift uncomfortably. "Is there anything you need? Anything I can do?"
A sad smile touches her lips. "You're still looking out for me, even after I was horrible to you."
"That doesn't change just because we had a fight, Melody." The words come out more intense than intended. "What's between us is complicated, but my concern for your safety isn't."
"I'm sorry," she says suddenly. "For what I said that night. I was scared and embarrassed, and I took it out on you. The sugar daddy comment was cruel and unfair."
The apology loosens something tight in my chest. "And I'm sorry for walking away. For not giving you a chance to explain."
We look at each other across the room, unspoken feelings piling up in the silence. I want to cross that space, take her in my arms, forget the hurt and confusion of the past three days. But things between us are still too fragile.
"So what happens now?" she asks, breaking the silence. "With Jason, I mean."
"We wait," I reply. "Monitor his movements when he arrives. Keep you safe. Let Jake handle any direct confrontation if necessary."
"And what about us?" The question is quiet but direct, so typically Melody.
I take a deep breath. "That's up to you. I understand your concerns about your job and reputation. I know the age gap makes things complicated. But I meant what I said before. I won't pretend what's between us isn't real."
She looks down at her hands. "I never wanted to pretend it wasn't real. I just panicked. Everything was happening so fast, and suddenly there were rumors, and that PI showed up, and I just... I didn't know how to handle it all."
"I get that." I take a careful step toward her. "We did move fast. Maybe too fast. But that doesn't mean what we felt wasn't genuine."
"Felt?" She looks up sharply. "Past tense?"
"Feel," I correct. "Present tense. Continuous."
A small smile kisses her lips. "I miss you," she admits. "These past three days have been miserable. I kept picking up my phone to text you, but I didn't know what to say."
"I miss you too." The admission comes easily. "More than I expected."
She rises from the couch, taking a tentative step toward me. "So where does that leave us?"
"Cautious," I suggest. "Taking things slower this time. Figuring out how to navigate the complications together instead of letting them drive us apart."
"I'd like that." Another step closer. "Though I'm not sure I know how to do slow with you."
The hint of desire in her voice sends heat through me. "We'll learn together."
She's close enough now that I can smell her perfume, see the flecks of gold in her brown eyes. My hand rises of its own accord, fingertips brushing her cheek.
"May I?" I ask, voice rough.
She nods, and I lower my mouth to hers. The kiss is gentle, questioning, worlds away from the passionate encounters that marked our earlier relationship. Her lips are soft beneath mine, yielding but not demanding.
When we part, her eyes remain closed for a moment, as if savoring the connection. "Stay tonight?" she whispers. "Just to sleep. I haven't been sleeping well without you."
The admission of vulnerability touches something deep inside me. "Are you sure?"
She nods. "I'm not ready to figure everything out tonight. But I'm tired of being alone and scared."
"Then I'll stay." I brush a strand of hair from her face. "For as long as you need me."
Later, as she sleeps curled against my chest, I stare at the ceiling and think about Jason Mills. About the threat he represents not just to Melody's safety but to her peace of mind, her fresh start. About what I would do if he tried to hurt her again.
I tighten my arm around her sleeping form, feeling protective and possessive in equal measure. I won't let anyone threaten what we're building. Not her ex, not small town gossip, not even our own fears.
CHAPTER NINE
